Dynamic Weight Swinging

I love anything that helps make me stronger, healthier, more flexible, efficient and a better person. What? Yeah, that's right, a better person. Anyone who trains and does it with focus and a purpose knows that there are many more benefits than just the physical.
You get to know your limitations, then blast through them. Doing this over and over definitely carries over into our daily lives. Alright, enough of that.

Dynamic Weight Swinging, why it's one of the most beneficial things you can do for improving your performance. Kettlebells, Clubs, Maces; these are not your traditional weightlifting implements, but soon they will be the norm. Here's a little example of how kettlebells and the side effects of using them helped me with the Highland Games.

It was early 2000's. Whenever the last Tactical Strength Challenge was held in Chicago. Great time. I remember it was my wedding anniversary (can't remember what one) but I got Pavel on video wishing my lovely wife a happy anniversary. She wasn't as thrilled as I thought she'd be. It was a great time, I got a close second. This was when the events were weighted pull-ups, weighted pistols and snatch for reps. So the following year I was getting ready to return to Chicago and take first. Well it was cancelled. I heard about the Highland Games competition on the same day.

At the time, I didn't know what the Highland Games were, so I was going in green. Here's where the carry over from kettlebells comes in. I did fantastic for a first timer, I was also one of the lightest guys competing. I got several firsts, and second place in the events that were totally new to me. As you know by now swinging a weighted implement and controlling it with your whole body will improve your performance in any endeavor you undertake. It strengthens not one muscle but all your muscles as a unit. Swinging clubs and maces loosens and strengthens your shoulders, along with a fantastic core and body awareness workout. Kettlebells, does anyone not know how great these are?

And as an added bonus the Kettlebells, Clubs, and Maces can be taken with you to the park, your work (if they'll let ya) and anywhere you go. They are a blast to use and they will improve your overall performance in life. In the picture is one of my first homemade kettlebells and a StrongerGrip 6" Loadable Mace. And yes, I need a haircut. Now do yourself a favor and get Swinging!

Ryan Pitts is a performing old-time strongman and manufacturer of the world's toughest grip tools. To see exactly how he trains - and to pick up some great gear in the process - swing by the main site (strongergrip.com), his blog and YouTube channel. Superb.

Sometimes it's great to be outdoors. If that feeling hits at the time when you'd usually be throwing iron around the room, consider taking a few things down to your local park. It makes a great change.

NB : if you'd like to be interviewed on an upcoming show (or know someone who should be), drop us a line. It's great to find out how other people train. And if you'd like to add your comments and suggestions on the Gymchats in general, we'd love to hear them.
Cheers.

what we're saying

NB : In addition to leave a comment or two beneath the articles themselves, come and join us over on Google+ to see what else we're talking about.

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gift buying guide

When your spouse/sibling/friend is ready to 'get in shape' (or they already are), what do you get them?

No matter what sort of training they're in to, we've got a few suggestions. And if you're looking for something specific, we'll help you find out where to get it. Just leave a comment on any of the posts listed below.

There are a number of articles that may help you in your quest. Specifically :

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giving

If you've been training for a while, gradually cleaning up your diet, no doubt you've experienced the amazing power of transformation. It's a tremendous feeling.
If you're ready to give someone else a hand to transform their own lives - through education, sharing equipment, financial help - take a look at the full list of organisations on the Giving page. Cheers.

want to help out?

To help run all of these sites, we're on the lookout for several additional Moderators. To welcome new community members, bring up new items to discuss and generally keep the conversations on track.

If you're already spending a bit of time at any of the above sites, and would like to offer your services as a Moderator, just drop us a line. And thanks for that, it really is appreciated.

in the wild

It’s always great to see how other people train.

If you’d like to send in a photo of yourself in action (wearing one of the Straight to the Bar Shirts of course - the latest design is here), just upload it somewhere and send us a link. Cheers.

the future of fitness

Over the years we’ve looked at the fitness industry from a number of angles - discussing the history, present approaches and potential future trends involved. Fascinating areas.

When it comes to the last part - discussing potential future trends - things get a little, well, unusual. If it’s an interest you share, or you just want to find out the types of things we think are likely, check out the posts tagged ‘Futurism’. And of course, Gymchat 224 (Roundtable) - The Future of Fitness. Superb discussion.

leave it in the ground

On Straight to the Bar we talk a lot about air pollution, primarily from a gym-owner's perspective. In the 'Leave it in the Ground' newsletter we look at the topic far more broadly - the gradual move away from the use of fossil fuels. Daily, and free.

elsewhere

As you can see, we love talking about training. In addition to the conversations on here, in the Google+ Community, Twitter and so on are discussions on several other great fitness-focussed sites.

When it comes to body transformation - whether that's an increase in strength, packing on a bit of muscle or losing a bit of excess fat - this is the perfect place to start. Dr Berardi's Precision Nutrition.

If you've ever watched a Bruce Lee film and marveled at his strength, speed, agility, endurance, flexibility or muscularity, this book should take pride of place in your collection. Unlike many other writings covering everything from Lee's training methods to nutrition, this book is based not on the recollections of people around him; but on Lee's own notes. Brilliant.

For a full list of what we're reading at the moment (training-related and otherwise), join us on Goodreads. And for a cut-down list showing only the ones we recommend, swing by the Recommended Books & DVDs page. See you there.